WICKED PLAYS 6000^TH PERFORMANCE

Olivier, Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical

already the 9^th longest running West End musical in history

www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

WICKED, the West End and Broadway musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, last night (7 July 2022) played its landmark 6000^th performance at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre.

“One of the most successful musicals of all time” (BBC News) and already the 9^th longest running West End musical in history, Wicked has now seen by more than 10 million people in London alone (and 60 million worldwide).  “The global sensation” (Independent) is the winner of more than 100 major international awards, including three Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy Award and ten theatregoer voted WhatsOnStage Awards (including ‘Best New Musical’ and three for ‘Best West End Show’).

Executive Producer (UK) Michael McCabe said: “As we reach the incredible milestone of 6000 performances, we take this opportunity to thank the remarkable team across the show, including our acting company, creatives, stage management, automation, lighting, sound, stage, wardrobe, wigs, orchestra, as well as all the management, venue and Box Office staff, whose professionalism and tireless dedication keeps the show running.

And to the more than 10 million people who have now seen Wicked in London, we offer our deepest gratitude.”

Wicked currently stars: Lucie Jones (Elphaba), Helen Woolf (Glinda), Ryan Reid (Fiyero), Sophie-Louise Dann (Madame Morrible), Gary Wilmot (The Wizard), Carina Gillespie (Nessarose), Nicholas McLean (Boq), Simeon Truby (Doctor Dillamond), Amy Webb (Standby for Elphaba), Lisa-Anne Wood (Standby for Glinda), Yuki Abe, Kofi Aidoo-Appiah, Meg Astin, Alishia-Marie Blake, Pàje Campbell, Grace Chapman*, Michael Colbourne, Fergus Dale, Nolan Edwards, Nicola Espallardo, Danny Fogarty, Laura Harrison, Amie Hibbert, Lucie Horsfall, Samuel How, Christian Knight, Nick Len, Jasmine Leung, Maggie Lynne, Rhidian Marc, PaddyJoe Martin, Jessica-Alice McCluskey, Stacey McGuire, Harry Mills, Lewis Newton, Natalie Spriggs, Samantha Thomas, Joe Thompson-Oubari and James Titchener.

* Maternity cover for Maggie Lynne.  Cast subject to change.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and reveals the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked has music and lyrics by multi-Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, The Prince of Egypt, Disney’s Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Enchanted and its forthcoming sequel Disenchanted). It is based on the bestselling novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire and written by Emmy and Tony Award nominee Winnie Holzman, creator of the landmark American television series My So-Called Life. Musical staging is by Tony Award-winner Wayne Cilento with direction by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello.

Wicked is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK) Michael McCabe.

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire is published in the UK by Headline (the book is recommended for readers aged 16+). Wicked: The Grimmerie, a behind-the-scenes look at the musical by David Cote, is published in the UK by Hyperion.

Audience Protocols: the Apollo Victoria Theatre, owned and operated by the Ambassador Theatre Group, continues to maintain stringent public health protocols throughout the venue. For full information, please visit www.atgtickets.com/help/health-and-safety/

The Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

Twitter: @WickedUK  |  Facebook: /WickedUK  |  Instagram: @WickedUK

The Grammy Award-winning, Platinum-certified Original Broadway Cast Recording on Decca Broadway

The Rubens at the Palace is the official hotel partner of Wicked London  www.rubenshotel.com

Old Red Lion, Islington, London – until 30 July 2022

Reviewed by Debra Stottor

3***

If you’re familiar with Franz Kafka, you’ll be aware of the themes so often present in his work: isolation, alienation, mental and physical struggle – the epitome of ‘Kafkaesque’. Acclaimed German director Gabriele Jakobi’s adaptation of this Kafka short story homes in on all these themes, and adds animal rights into the mix.

An ape is captured during a hunting expedition in West Africa, bundled into a tiny crate and sent to Europe on a ship. Nicknamed ‘Red Peter’ because of his facial injuries, he is taunted and abused by his captors throughout the journey. He needs to survive and to do so, Red Peter learns to mimic the ship’s crew and their language from his cage – including less savoury behaviour such as spitting, smoking a pipe and drinking. By evolving to behave like a human being, Peter devises his escape and ultimately reaches civilisation. The play is his retelling of his life story and transformation to a leading Scientific Academy.

The details of the treatment he endured on board ship are not spared, but more fascinating is how he learns to imitate the humans around him by observation, and how he becomes socialised by ‘apeing’ their behaviour, and therefore of a scientific novelty.

Robert McNamara as Red Peter holds the audience’s attention, a slightly menacing presence as he paces across the stage, tapping his walking cane loudly as he goes and making just enough eye contact to make you feel uneasy.

This one-man play may be just an hour long, but it’s packed with talking points: man playing god, free will, slavery, socialisation, animal rights. The transformation of Red Peter from ape to man shows us the immense potential of animals combined with the worst cruelties of humans, and will leave you questioning whether we humans really are superior.

Report to an Academy was first staged in 2014 in Washington DC, and toured Europe soon after. This production is by Scena, of which McNamara is artistic director. The company brings the best international plays to Washington DC, stimulates cultural exchange between local and international artists, and nurtures original material for the stage; it occupies a unique position on the edges of modern drama.

This is a thought-provoking show, one that will keep you thinking well beyond your journey home.

Sunderland Empire, Sunderland – until 15th July 2022

Reviewed by Stee Leahy

5*****

If ever there were a perfect show, this is it!

Mamma Mia at the Sunderland Empire was theatrical gold. Led by the incredibly talented Sara Poyzer as Donna Sheridan, this feel good ABBA packed musical had everyone captivated, entertained and singing along from start to finish. 

The story follows Sophie, played superbly in this performance by understudy Phoebe Roberts as she invites her three potential fathers – Bill, Harry and Sam to her wedding on a remote Greek island. Phil Corbitt, Daniel Crowder and Richard Standing brought Sophie’s three dads to life perfectly. Each bringing something a little different to the show, and like Sophie, the audience loved each of them.

When mother of Sophie, Donna discovers her three old lovers in her home, comedy, chaos and old feelings start to resurface. 

Helping Donna navigated her emotions on the run up to her daughters big day are her two best friends, Rosie and Tanya – played by the insatiable Nicky Swift and Helen Anker respectively. Both ladies provide comic relief in all the right places. 

The simple yet very effective set and lighting transports you to Greece instantly! 

This really is an ensemble piece of theatre and each and every cast member played their part in bringing this show to life. 

The vocals from this cast are nothing less than perfection across the board. Crisp, clear and beautifully sung. I do however believe a special shout-out is in order for Sara Poyzer’s rendition of ‘The Winner Takes It All’. The end note was absolutely electric. 

The choreography by Anthony Van Laast was utterly brilliant, perfect!

Every single musical number in this show was an ABBA classic and the audience were left feeling nothing but comfort and feel-good energy. 

I can not recommend MAMMA MIA at the Sunderland Empire enough.

WELCOME TO BRADFORD THEATRES’
ASTOUNDING AUTUMN SEASON 2022

Bradford Theatres are delighted to announce the Autumn 2022 season which is packed with musicals, dance, music and top names in comedy and entertainment.

Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres says:
“It’s been wonderful to see so many of you continuing to visit our venues over the last few months. We’re now looking forward to our autumn season, which is bursting with entertaining and exciting events.

There’s an array of top quality shows on offer for everybody to enjoy during the autumn months. We start with a new production of My Fair Lady which opens the season at the Alhambra Theatre in September. This is followed by a range of brand-new musicals, much-loved favourites, world-class dance, the best in stand-up comedy, intimate evening talks, music and more!

I’m really delighted that our annual pantomime is back again this year – Jack & The Beanstalk – which will be packed with music, special effects and audience participation. This is a highlight of the year and promises to provide much laughter over the festive season.”

September
Festival of The Dead’s Rock Orchestra by Candlelight – Sunday 4 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Undr the Cosh – Wednesday 7 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. May contain some swearing
One Night of Elvis starring Lee ‘Memphis’ King – Friday 9 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
All Together Now Community Choirs – Times Like These – Saturday 10 September 7pm, St George’s Hall
Adele – The Journey So Far – Saturday 10 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Sinderella Drag Panto – Sunday 11 September 8pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance: 13+
Mark Watson This Can’t Be It? Thursday 15 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance: 14+
What’s Love Got To Do With It? Thursday 15 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Friendsical – Friday 16 – Saturday 17 September, St George’s Hall
Friendsical is an original and unique new parody musical inspired by the gang in Friends, the iconic TV show.

My Fair Lady – Thursday 22 September – Sunday 2 October, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Wed 28 Sep 7pm, Audio Described: Thu 29 Sep 2pm, Captioned: Fri 30 Sep 7pm
This sumptuous production, featuring over 30 members of cast on stage and a full orchestra, is the first major revival of Lerner & Loewe’s much-loved musical on tour for over 15 years and a truly loverly way to celebrate the theatre scene back in bloom! Age guidance 6+

Dr John Cooper Clarke – I Wanna Be Yours – Wednesday 21 September 8pm, St George’s Hall
Tom Stade – The High Road – Thursday 22 September 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance: 16+
Elkie Brooks – Thursday 22 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
90s Live! – Friday 23 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
The Comedy Store – Friday 23 September 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance: 18+
Dawn French is a Huge Tw*t – Saturday 24 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance: 14+.
SELLING FAST!
Grimethorpe Colliery Band – Sunday 25 September 3pm, St George’s Hall
I’m Still Standing The Music of Elton John with Joel Buckingham & The Jets – Saturday 24 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Rave On featuring The Bluejays – Sunday 25 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
An Evening with Lucy Worsley – Tuesday 27 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance: 14+.
SELLING FAST!
The Black Blues Brothers – Thursday 29 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Expect jaw-dropping balancing acts, acrobatics with fire and human pyramids as The Black Blues Brothers use every chair, table and coat rack as part of their breathtaking routines!
The Manfreds Hits, Jazz & Blues Tour 2022 – Thursday 29 September7.45pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
SELLING FAST!

October
Luke Kempner – Macho Macho Man – Monday 3 October 7.30pm, The Studio. Age guidance: 14+
Gilbert O’Sullivan in Concert – Wednesday 5 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
The Pitmen Poets – Thursday 6 October 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
The Rat Pack Tribute Show Swingin’ at the Sands – Thursday 6 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Dick & Dom In Da Bungalow Live! – Friday 7 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Troy Hawke Sigmund Troy’d! – Saturday 8 October 8pm, The Studio. Age guidance: 18+
Milton Jones – Milton Impossible – Sunday 9 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Mum’s The Word – Monday 10 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Leo Sayer The Show Must Go On – Tuesday 11 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
The Proclaimers – Thursday 13 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. SELLING FAST!
Don’t Stop Believin’ The End of the Night Anthem Show – Friday 14 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Boyzlife The Old School Tour featuring Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden – Saturday 15 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo – Friday 14 & Saturday 15 October, Alhambra Theatre
Post Show Q&A, Friday 14 October with members of the company. Free to show bookers only.
Originally from New York, the Trocks are now loved world-wide for their sassy spoofs and hilarious homages to classical ballet, where 16 dancers each transform into two personas, both male and female!

Royal Shakespeare Company First Encounters Twelfth Night – Saturday 15 October 2.30pm
RSC First Encounters productions are created to give 7 – 13 year olds a fantastic first experience of Shakespeare whilst also being brilliant introductions for anyone new to his work.

Jongleurs Comedy Legends – Sunday 16 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance: 14+
With Mike Gunn, Ninia Benjamin, Paul Tonkinson and Jarred Christmas – four comedy legends – one hilarious night!

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Monday 17 – Saturday 22 October, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thu 20 Oct 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 21 Oct 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 22 Oct 2.30pm
With stars from The London Palladium, Alexandra Burke and Jac Yarrow, the show features songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door To Me, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go, Go Joseph.

Francis Foster Online Provocateur – Tuesday 18 October 7.30pm, The Studio. Age guidance: 14+
King of Pop starring Navi – Saturday 22 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Gilbert and Sullivan Savoyard Concert – Sunday 23 October 3pm, St George’s Hall
The Bootleg Sixties featuring The Overtures – Monday 24 October 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley

The Cher Show – Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 October, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thu 27 Oct 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 28 Oct 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 29 Oct 2.30pm
Three Chers is better than one! Three West End stars play Cher telling the incredible story of her meteoric rise to fame, flying in the face of convention at every turn.

An Evening with Adam Frost – Tuesday 25 October 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance: 14+
Spend an evening with the award-winning British garden designer and Gardeners’ World presenter, as he shares advice and amusing stories from a lifetime in the garden.

Soweto Gospel Choir Freedom – Wednesday 26 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Ned Boulting Retour de Ned – Wednesday 26 October 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
The Magical Music of Harry Potter Live in Concert – Friday 28 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Glenn Moore – Saturday 29 October 8pm, The Studio. Age guidance: 14+

November
SIX – Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 November, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thu 3 Nov 8pm, Captioned: Fri 4 Nov 6pm, Audio Described: Sat 5 Nov 4pm
From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power.
Recommended for ages 10+

Rob Auton The Crowd Show – Friday 4 November 7.30pm, The Studio. Age guidance: 14+
That’ll Be The Day – Friday 4 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance: 12+ (contains adult humour)
Beth Nielsen Chapman Crazytown Tour 2022 – Sunday 6 November 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley

Saturday Night Fever – Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 November, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thu 10 Nov 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 11 Nov 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 12 Nov 2.30pm
This show is a homage to the 1977 John Travolta classic film with more drama, more music, and hot new choreography which is sure to have you dancing in the aisles. Please note this show contains adult themes and strong language.

Mark Thomas Black and White – Wednesday 9 November 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance: 16+
Tales From Acorn Wood – Thursday 10 & Friday 11 November, King’s Hall Ilkley
Barry Steele & Friends – Friday 11 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Joe Black Club Cataclysm – Friday 11 November 8pm, The Studio. Age guidance: 16+
Gladys: Midnight Train To Georgia starring Hayley Ria Christian – Saturday 12 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Jon Richardson The Knitwit – Sunday 13 November 8pm & Thursday 17 November 8pm EXTRA DATE ADDED, St George’s Hall. Age guidance: 14+

The Commitments – Monday 14 – Saturday 19 November, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thu 17 Nov 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 18 Nov 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 19 Nov 2.30pm
The Commitments is the story of Jimmy Rabbitte, a young working-class music fan, who shapes an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians and friends into the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced. Recommended age 12+

Jack Carroll Walking Funny – Thursday 17 November 7.30pm, The Studio. Age guidance: 16+ Contains strong language and adult themes.
Jerry Sadowitz Not For Anyone – Friday 18 November 8pm, The Studio. Age guidance: 18+
Paul Chowdhry: Family Friendly Comedian – Monday 14 November 8pm, St George’s Hall.
Recommended age 14+

The Osmonds: A New Musical – Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 November, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thu 24 Nov 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 25 Nov 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 26 Nov 2.30pm
The Osmonds: A New Musical tells the official story from Jay Osmond about the five brothers from Utah who were pushed into the spotlight as children and went on to create smash hits decade after decade.

Christmas with Blake – Tuesday 22 November 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Clinton Baptiste – Clinton Vs Ramone – Thursday 24 November 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance: 14+
Sara’s Crafting Christmas – Thursday 24 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Craft Your Christmas with Sara Davies is the perfect warm up for the festive break, with plenty of practical demonstrations, creative ideas and a healthy slice of Sara’s down to earth know how.
Stage 84 Presents Christmas Spectacular 2022 – Saturday 26 November 2pm & 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Orchestra of Opera North presents The Best of the West End – Sunday 27 November 4.30pm, St George’s Hall
The Fairytale of New York – Monday 28 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Girl from the North Country – Tuesday 29 November – Saturday 3 December, Alhambra Theatre
Captioned: Fri 2 Dec 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 3 Dec 2.30pm
Experience the legendary songs of Bob Dylan like you’ve never heard them before, in the internationally acclaimed musical Girl from the North Country. After its premiere at London’s Old Vic Theatre and a sell-out West End season winning two Olivier Awards, this truly unique and deeply moving theatre event now comes to Bradford direct from Broadway where it has been nominated for a Grammy Award and an incredible seven Tony Awards, including Best New Musical.

December
Whitney: Queen of the Night – Friday 2 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
G4 Christmas – Wednesday 7 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Steve Steinman’s Anything For Love The Meat Loaf Story – Thursday 8 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Bootleg Beatles – Friday 9 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Great Yorkshire Chorus Christmas Spectacular – Saturday 10 December 7.15pm, St George’s Hall
Justin Moorhouse Stretch & Think – Saturday 10 December 8pm, The Studio. Age guidance: 14+

Jack and The Beanstalk – Saturday 10 December 2022 – Sunday 22 January 2023, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thu 15 Dec 2pm & Sun 15 Jan 5pm, Audio Described: Thu 5 Jan 2pm & 7.15pm, Captioned: Sun 8 Jan 5pm, Relaxed: Tue 10 Jan 6pm. Fe-fi-fo-fum, a giant of a panto your way comes! Starring Bradford panto legend Billy Pearce as Farmer Billy, Emmerdale star and King of the Jungle Danny Miller as Jack
and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK runner-up Divina De Campo as The Spirit of the Beans, this magical adventure follows our hero Jack, who along with his family, fights to outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams.

Kate Rusby at Christmas – Wednesday 14 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
80s Live! – Thursday 15 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
The George Michael Story – Thursday 15 December 7.45pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Brighouse & Rastrick Band Christmas Concert – Friday 16 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
The Comedy Store – Friday 16 December 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance: 18+
The Drifters – Saturday 17 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

East 17 Stay Another Day Christmas Tour 2022 – Wednesday 21 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
With special guests S Club All Stars and Blazin’ Squad
Orchestra of Opera North presents The Snowman & The Nutcracker – Sunday 18 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

To book for all of these shows please contact the Box Office on 01274 432000
or visit our website: bradford-theatres.co.uk (Booking fees apply)

Theatre Royal Concert Hall Nottingham – until Saturday 9 July 2022

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

5*****

I knew I was in for a treat when the delightful ladies serving me pre-show drinks were bristling with excitement and overflowing with a multitude of accolades for Singin’ in the Rain.

Originally a masterpiece of American cinema, Singin’ in the Rain is often regarded as one of the best films of all time, receiving two Academy Award nominations and featuring on countless ‘Best Of’ lists ever since. Set to the infectious MGM score including the melodies “Make ‘em Laugh” and “Singin’ in the Rain”, Jonathan Church’s acclaimed stage production is a perfect tribute to this beloved film.

Singin’ in the Rain is about the dashing, one dimensional, romantic/ swashbuckling silent film star and matinee idol, Don Lockwood and his glamorous blonde screen partner/deplorable diva, Lina Lamont. Their movie monopoly comes to a halt with the invention of the talking picture. Studio bosses pressure the duo to change their silent romantic drama into their first sound picture. There’s only one problem, a serious problem, Lina Lamont may have screen idol looks but her voice is a shrill, screechy New York squawk that will turn audiences away in their droves. Already being outshone by other talking pictures, the studio must come up with a solution, and fast. Enter Kathy Seldon, a strong willed, outspoken, angel voiced chorus girl who not only threatens to steal the show, but also the heart of Don Lockwood. The diva in Lina Lockwood will never stand for this and what ensues is as entertaining and enthralling as what occurred in the motion picture first seen in 1952.

Sam Lips, Charlotte Gooch, Ross McLaren & Jenny Gayner are spectacular in this critically acclaimed production of Singin’ in the Rain, and along with a hugely talented ensemble cast they dazzle with colour, comedy and a tsunami of talent.

I offer no spoilers, but the way the show honors ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, the film’s most iconic musical sequence, with over 14,000 liters of water used on stage each night, its executed with flair and aplomb. With pitch perfect wit, an abundance of charm, ‘Make ‘Em Laugh’ was masterfully, if not manically performed, with amazing acrobatics and classic slapstick.

What was truly wonderful to see and experience, was how much the cast enjoyed themselves. During the final number, a rousing rendition of ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ which included the whole cast, there was a lot of playfulness and regression and some audience interaction.

It goes to show you are never too old to be splashing in puddles, to be falling in love or to be ‘Singin’ in the Rain’. This is a musical not to be missed.

Leeds Playhouse and Opera North – until 16th July 2022

Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood

5*****

Co-produced by Leeds Playhouse and Opera North, A Little Night Music, Sondheim’s musical bittersweet comedy, returns to the Leeds Playhouse after it made its debut last summer. It first opened on Broadway in 1973 and Sondheim’s music and lyrics for the musical is based on Hugh Wheeler’s book.

A Little Night Music tells or accurately unravels and reveals the stories of the complicated romantic lives and liaisons among several characters. Particularly the Armfeldt family including Madame Armfeldt, a former courtesan (Dame Josephine Barstow); Desiree, her daughter and actress (Sandra Piques Eddy) and Desiree’s daughter, Fredrika (Agatha Meehan).

The experiences begin to unfold with its aplenty show stopping musical numbers, set to Sondheim’s ingenious music and lyrics, from beginning to end and the experiences being shared aren’t exactly straight forward. In Act One, the building up of revelations intriguingly and musically build up to “The Weekend in the Country”, an invitation at Madame Armfeldt’s estate. The Quintet (Gillene Butterfield, Amy Freston, Claire Pascoe, Dean Robinson and Tim Ochala-Greenough), made up of five characters, interlude with reprises and waltzes, during the story’s progression in the Acts One and Two.

The musical numbers include the ever popular “Send in the Clowns” where Desiree (Piques Eddy) expresses reflectively the personal journey she is on and looks back on the affair she had with Frederick Egerman a lawyer (Quirijn de Lang), and regrets not accepting his proposal and marriage. She realises at the time there is no turning back as Frederick is in a loveless marriage with Anne, his new wife (Corinne Cowling).

Lucy Hinds’ choreography works very well with the music, singing, dancing, and performance of the talented company with the majority returning from the 2021 production. The open stage, courtesy of Madeleine Boyd, Chris Davey and Sebastian Frost, complements the staging of this production. The musical is tended successfully by Oliver Rundell, the conductor, and the orchestra of Opera North.

Under the director of James Brining, A Little Night Music, is unmissable with an excellent performance from the company who are supported by talented musicians and creators. All to be unravelled and revealed at “The Weekend in the Country”. All comedies generally end all well and with the visual paused look from Madame Armfeldt at the very end, one can acknowledge that at least some of characters’ journeys have ended as such. A fitting tribute to Sondheim!

Blackpool opera House – until 9 July 2022

Reviewed by Debra Skelton

3***

Bat Out of Hell the Musical makes no bones about what it wants to be: a spectacular two hours of escapism. By staying just the right side of pretentious, and with a nod and wink to the audience and excellent performances, it pulls it off triumphantly

In truth, it’s smashing stuff, right up there with We Will Rock You for sheer energy, a cracking soundtrack – and a story that is, in all honesty, a distant second to the music.

Now in its 5th year, and now more poignantly as we lost both Jim Steinman (2021) and Meatloaf (2022), this show continues to find new fans to join with the die hard ‘Loafers’. Producer Michael Cohl said of the tour: “We’ve all been through a lot these past 15 months and we now need a really good night out with friends and family. Bat Out Of Hell will give you the most fun night you can have in the UK and Ireland this year (with your clothes on)!

Set in the post-apocalyptic fictional city of Obsidian (a comic book-like Manhattan) in the year 2030 after the “chemical wars” that have rendered a select group of teenage street people mutants, forever frozen at age 18, Strat (Glenn Adamson – American Idiot), the leader of these co-ed “lost boys” dubbed “the lost”, falls for Raven (Martha Kirby – Grease), the Rapunzel-like daughter of the teens’ foe Falco (Rob Fowler), a “tyrannical leader”, and his unsatisfied housewife, Sloane (Franziska Schuster).

Tink (Killian Thomas Lefevre), our Tinkerbell, a jealous tween in love with Strat; Zahara (Joel Moses) one of “the lost” with a day job as Falco and Sloane’s maid; and Jagwire (James Chisolm), her unrequited lover, all nonsensically figure in the story reverse-engineered, “Mamma Mia!”-style, for the purpose of using as many beloved rock anthems from the “Bat Out of Hell” albums as possible.

The silver lining of “Bat Out of Hell” is that the cast is superbly talented and the music sounds incredible—the duet “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” is a highlight—performed with an explosive energy that rocks the auditorium.

At the end of the day, that is this musical’s raison d’etre: to give fans of the albums a chance to hear the songs they love performed well within the loose framework of a story in line with its musical aesthetic and sensibility. On this mark, “Bat Out of Hell” knocks it out of the park. The standing ovation at the end was testament to the genuine joy this show brings.

KING’S HEAD THEATRE ANNOUNCES SUMMER SEASON OF PLAYS

BOYS! BOYS! BOYS!

Bi-boys, bad-boys, biographies and bodies…

https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on

Artistic Director Mark Ravenhill and the whole team at the King’s Head Theatre are pleased to announce details of BOYS! BOYS! BOYS!, the summer season of writer/performer plays running in rep from 2 August to 10 September. Whilst thematically each play centres on male experience, each one is produced or directed by women, and the majority are performed or produced by LGBTQ+ creatives.

Producer Sofi Berenger said, “When we started to talk about putting the Boys! Boys! Boys! Season together, it was important that the shows were reflective of the way King’s Head Theatre works. Womxn in key creative roles are still hugely underrepresented in the work that gets put on and this is certainly true in the producing and directing fields. As well as producing my own play independently, I have an absolute powerhouse of other female producers and creatives presenting work this season who I am extremely privileged to work alongside – on this season and future productions we have planned at Kings Head Theatre.”

BI BI BAILEIGH

“A husband, some kids, a few animals and a quaint little cottage just south of the A35.” That’s all veterinary student Baileigh has ever wanted. Until a one-night stand makes him question the future he’s always had his heart on. Bi Bi Baileigh is a “heart-warming”, comedic Essex story about the navigation of love and how the plans you’ve been stuck on may not be the plans that fit you best.

Following its sold out run at the Harlow Playhouse and Brighton Pride 2022 run, Baileigh is back and making his London Debut. Written by Isaac Verrall and presented by Madison Parker and Jess Smith in association with The 5 O’Clock Club Ltd.

Producers Madison Parker and Jess Smith are Creative Producing MA students at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, with Madison currently on placement at the King’s Head Theatre and Stage One’s Bridge the Gap programme. Madison is managing director of The 5 O’Clock Club, a new production company which has produced Sophie Ben and other problems (Chiswick Playhouse), Everything is grand and I’m completely okay (The Hope Theatre) and F*CKBOYS (Brighton Fringe). Jess production & stage manages and is currently on placement with Jonathan Church Productions Ltd.

Director Izzy Edwards is a director and producer, currently Creative Producing MFA student at Royal Central School of Speech & Drama and producing coordinator at the Kings Head Theatre. She has created work as a director, dramaturg, and producer in venues across the UK and New York including Ashley Everhart; Only Time (The Tank), Stupid F*cking Bird (Shelter Studios), A Dog Dies (NYU Tisch), and F*CKBOYS (Brighton Fringe). She is the Executive Director of Little Match Theatre, a dramaturg collective and new work development programme for emerging artists across the UK.  

MEDIOCRE WHITE MALE

They say that as you get older, time sort of… speeds up. Well, it doesn’t feel like that for me…not here…

It’s been years since high school, since everyone left for uni, since starting the summer job that’s never ended… and since you.

These days, you can’t even say hello to the new girl without offending her. Apparently it’s a generational thing. I would say I’m the same generation… I’m in my late 20’s… essentially.

Things change? Yeah, well, some of us are sick of change. Change is a thief.

What about me? What about us? I think people forget about the people that stay.

A searing portrait of male anger, fragility and vulnerability, and about being left behind in a small community. Mediocre White Male unpacks what it means to feel abandoned as the world changes and confused in the face of a progressive agenda you don’t fully understand.

Following a sold-out ★★★★★ (Broadway World, Gonzo Magazine) run at Edinburgh Fringe 2021, Mediocre White Male was scheduled to play VAULT Festival’s largest space The Crescent before the festival was cancelled in 2022. It has subsequently toured and performed as part of Park Theatre’s Come What May festival.

Delivering a ★★★★ “captivating performance” – Scottish Daily Mail, co-writer/performer Will Close (Dave Comedy Award winner) takes to stage to re-live ancient history, the recent past and present lies. It’s time to face up to some uncomfortable truths.

Producer Sofi Berenger is a Stage One alumni and independently produces through her companies Metal Rabbit Productions & Wound Up Theatre. She has produced over 40 shows in her career, including Cuckoo (Soho Theatre), United Queendom (Les Enfants Terribles at Kensington Palace), Bismillah!, and upcoming The Prince (Southwark Playhouse). She is also the producer at Kings Head Theatre and chairwoman of Iris Theatre.

QUENTIN CRISP : NAKED HOPE

Mark Farrelly brings his highly acclaimed solo play to the King’s Head, where Quentin Crisp himself gave his first stage performances in 1975.

From a conventional upbringing to global notoriety via The Naked Civil Servant, Quentin Crisp was one of the most memorable figures of the twentieth century. Openly gay as early as the 1930s, Quentin spent decades being beaten up on London’s streets for refusing to be anything less than himself. His courage, and the philosophy that evolved from those experiences, inspire to the present day.

Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope debuted at the Edinburgh Festival 2014 and has toured constantly ever since, recently reaching its 150th performance.

Director Linda Marlowe is an acting legend of stage and screen. Famed for her long-running collaboration with Steven Berkoff, she is a prolific solo performer, and has appeared in everything from EastEnders to Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy opposite Gary Oldman.

JARMAN

A mighty spirit is about to reawaken. Yours.

Derek Jarman: film-maker, painter, gardener at Prospect Cottage, activist, writer…his influence remains as strong as it was on the day AIDS killed him in 1994. But his story, one of the most extraordinary lives ever lived, has never been told. Until now.

This vibrant new solo play also from Mark Farrelly brings Derek back into being for a passionate, daring reminder of the courage it takes to truly live while you’re alive. A journey from Dungeness to deepest, brightest Soho and into the heart of one of our most iconoclastic artists.

Jarman is the first dramatic recreation of the life of the iconic painter, gardener, writer, film-maker and activist Derek Jarman (1942 – 1994). First performed in 2021, the show has been touring the UK, keeping Derek’s spirit vividly alive, and raising funds for the Terrence Higgins Trust.

Director Sarah-Louise Young is an immensely prolific theatre maker, having created and performed numerous hit shows, including Cabaret Whore, Julie Madly Deeply and An Evening Without Kate Bush. Her new solo play The Silent Treatment debuts at the Edinburgh Festival this year.

BRAWN

What if the lads at work poke fun at you for your chicken legs? What if the girl of your dreams goes off with popular lad James Robinson? What if you’re sick to death of looking in the mirror and hating what you see?

You get ripped, that’s what.

Locked away in his dad’s garage Ryan puts  his body through a gruelling regime – determined to bulk and cut, until he reaches perfection.

Christopher Wollaton’s one man show explores themes of body image and mental health issues in men. The show returns to the King’s Head Theatre after a sell-out run in 2019. Brawn has also successfully performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2018), Brighton Fringe Festival (2017/18) and toured nationally, including the Oxford Playhouse and Harrogate Theatre in 2017. 

Producer Zoe Weldon is an independent producer and Stage One alumni. She has worked across the West End and Fringe on productions such as Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon (Southwark Playhouse), Tender Napalm and Jew…ish (King’s Head Theatre), Cassie & the Lights (VAULT & Adelaide Festivals) and CHUTNEY (Bunker Theatre). She is an associate producer at King’s Head Theatre and Rifco Theatre.

Mark Ravenhill said, “This season features some shows which have had many previous runs but with companies excited to perform to new audiences, others are new and coming to London for the first time. Some are celebrating queer icons and exploring LGBTQ+ history, others are looking at toxic masculinity and mental health. But all are exploring the male experience and many different representations of masculinity.”

The King’s Head Theatre was established in 1970. Passionate about great theatre, it is known for its challenging work and support of early career artists. KHT is committed to fighting prejudice through the work it stages, and the artists and staff it works with. The team believes in fair pay for all on the fringe and create accessible routes for early career artists to stage their work – work they are passionate about.

NEW CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

TONY & OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING SMASH HIT MUSICAL

JERSEY BOYS

AT THE TRAFALGAR THEATRE, LONDON’S WEST END

The producers and creative team are delighted to announce that Luke Suri, who is currently playing alternate Frankie Valli on the UK and Ireland tour, will make his West End debut as Frankie Valli in the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning smash hit musical JERSEY BOYS on 27 July 2022.  The show is now booking to 30 April 2023. 

Luke joins current stars Adam Bailey as Bob Gaudio, Karl James Wilson as Nick Massiand Benjamin Yates as Tommy De Vito.

Other new cast members include Joey Cornish as Joe Pesci, Kevin Fullinick as Barry Belson, Matthew Goodgame as Gyp De Carlo, Danny Knott as Swing, Gracie Lai as Lorraine, Carolyn Maitland as Mary Delgado, Rosie Needham as Francine, Tom Oliver as Norm Waxman/Hank Majewski and Joseph Peters as Bob Crewe. They join remaining cast members Elliot Allinson, Jack Campbell, Huon Mackley, Bonnie Page and Andy Smith.

The musical opened to rave reviews at the new multi-million pound reinstated Trafalgar Theatre on 28 July 2021.

JERSEY BOYS is written byMarshall Brickman & Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe.

Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony and Olivier Award-winning, true-life phenomenon, JERSEY BOYS. They were just four guys from New Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect onstage, off stage it was a very different story—a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s too good to be true.  The show is packed with their hits, including Beggin’, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got), Bye Bye Baby, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back to You, Fallen Angel, Rag Doll and Who Loves You.   

Recipient of Broadway’s Tony, London’s Olivier and Australia’s Helpmann Awards for Best New Musical, JERSEY BOYS is the winner of 65 major awards and has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide. 

JERSEY BOYS originally opened in New York on 6 November 2005 and, by the time it closed over 11 years later on 15 January 2017, it was the 12^th longest running show in Broadway history.  It first ran in London’s West End from 18 March 2008 to 26 March 2017 – nine amazing years – and, at the time, was the sixth longest musical running in the West End.

JERSEY BOYS is now on its third UK & Ireland Tour through to April 2023, having previously played two record-breaking UK and Ireland Tours from 2014 to 2016 and from 2017 to 2019.

JERSEY BOYS returned to New York with a new production in November 2017 running until 22 May 2022. The JERSEY BOYS US National Tour continues to break house records in cities across North America. JERSEY BOYS can also be seen on board the Norwegian Bliss.

JERSEY BOYS at the Trafalgar Theatre is staged by the original Broadway creative team, led by the Tony Award-winning team of director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, with scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Jess Goldstein, lighting by Howell Binkley, sound by Steve Canyon Kennedy and projections design by Michael Clark.  The orchestrations are by Steve Orich and the music supervision and vocal arrangements by Ron Melrose.  Casting Director  is Jill Green CDG.

JERSEY BOYS is produced in London by the Dodgers and Trafalgar Theatre Productions, with BB Investments, Kevin Kinsella, Pelican Group in association with Latitude Link and Eilene Davidson Productions.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Trafalgar Theatre

14 Whitehall

London SW1A 2DY

Website: www.jerseyboysmusical.co.uk

Facebook: @JerseyBoysLondon

Twitter & Instagram: @JerseyBoysUK

Box Office: 0333 009 6690 (calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge)

JERSEY BOYS

Current booking period: 30 April 2023

Performances:

Monday – Saturday 7.30pm with no performance on Tuesday evening

Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm

Sunday 4pm

Christmas 2022/23 Performance Schedule

Monday 19 December             7.30pm

Tuesday 20 December            No performance

Wednesday 21 December       2.30pm & 7.30pm

Thursday 22 December          2.30pm & 7.30pm

Friday 23 December               7.30pm

Saturday 24 December           2.30pm

Sunday 25 December             No Performance

Monday 26 December             No Performance

Tuesday 27 December            2.30pm & 7.30pm

Wednesday 28 December       2.30pm & 7.30pm

Thursday 29 December          7.30pm

Friday 30 December               2.30pm & 7.30pm

Saturday 31 December           2.30pm

Sunday 1 January                   No Performance

Monday 2 January                   2.30pm & 7.30pm

Tuesday 3 January                  No Performance

Wednesday 4 January             7.30pm

Thursday 5 January                2.30pm & 7.30pm

Friday 6 January                     7.30pm

Saturday 7 January                 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Sunday 8 January                   4pm

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 16th July 2022

Reviewed by Sally Lumley

4****

Jersey Boys brings hit after hit to the Mayflower this week in a toe-tapping show that has something for everyone.

Jersey Boys tells the story of how four ordinary boys from New Jersey became the chart topping Four Seasons. Nothing is held back as we see the life of crime the boys were so determined to escape, the family heartbreak that came as the price of fame, and the band dynamics that ultimately pushed them apart. This serves to set each of their hits in context, and the rollercoaster drama of what was happening in their lives strikes a sharp contrast to the bright pop songs that intersperse it.

The boys themselves were played by Michael Pickering (Frankie Valli), Dalton Wood (Tommy DeVito), Norton James (Nick Massi) and Dougie Carter (Bob Gaudio). Pickering is perfection as Valli, pulling off his signature falsetto voice with ease and hitting every high note with confidence. Wood brings a menacing charisma to the role of Tommy, the driving force of the band, unable in the end to shake off his past. The brotherly bond that brings the boys together is completely believable, and the audience is rooting for their friendship right up until the end of the show.

All four boys had the dance moves completely in sync and the harmonies were absolutely on point throughout. We found out afterwards that a number of swings and understudies were covering parts, but we would never have known as the show was completely seamless so huge praise to all of them – they absolutely smashed it.

The staging is minimal but is used to great effect. A drummer on stage for nearly the whole show drives music as the beating heart of the story, and the audience is treated to hit after hit, such as Bye Bye Baby, Sherry, Walk Like a Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and many, many more. By the end of the show the whole theatre was on their feet – Oh what a night!